SPOTLIGHT
01 March 2010

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS?
01 March 2010

Are you looking for new board members? If your association is looking for new board members why not advertise in Housing News. Our free daily news bulletin is the best read housing publication in your region and we offer our advertisers real value for money. Don’t take our word for it -- look what Jenny George, marketing & communication assistant at Two Rivers Housing Association has to say: “We recently used the Housing News to advertise for a vacancy on our Board, I’m pleased to say we had the highest number of responses for this position than any other advertisement we placed, it was excellent value for money. As a marketing professional I look forward to receiving the bulletin, it helps keep me up-to-date with local, regional and national news. And the best part is it’s free!” To advertise, contact Hucksters at 01892 784804 or email: housingnews@hucksters.co.uk

FORMER BROWNFIELD SITE NOW FLAGSHIP £7M CARE COMPLEX
01 March 2010

A former brownfield site in Wolverhampton has been transformed into a state-of the-art £7M sheltered housing scheme with homes now available for the over 55s. Showell Court, owned by not-for-profit Accord Housing Association, has been built on Othello Road in Low Hill and contains 64 affordable apartments for older people. The one and two bedroom apartments are available to rent or buy on a shared ownership basis. Showell Court also features a 50-seat cafe style restaurant, which is also open to the local community. It serves a range of delicious and competitively priced meals including fresh home-made soup, paninis and jacket potatoes. The scheme also has an IT suite, a spacious lounge and a guest suite that visiting families can use. There are also a number of meetings rooms that can be used by local community groups. Mark Pearce, Assistant Director of Care and Support at Accord, said: “Accord is committed to providing affordable homes to the communities it serves and is happy to be working with Wolverhampton Council to regenerate this area of Low Hill. “Showell Court has some fantastic facilities including a contemporary cafe which we would encourage the local community to visit and try out for themselves.” Hilda Whitehouse, a resident at Showell Court, said: “Since living at Showell Court I have to the best of my ability remained as independent as possible with the help of all the staff. "Showell Court is very open and spacious and staff are very friendly and helpful. I know if I need anything that I only need to call and life is not so lonely now.” Councillor Les Pugh, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, added: “Very sheltered housing schemes like Showell Court give residents the ability to live their life with confidence and peace of mind knowing that help is on hand if they need it, whilst at the same time they have the privacy of their own front door to their own apartment. “Showell Court is a welcome addition to the well-being of the people of Wolverhampton and I am delighted that it is proving so popular with its new residents.” The scheme, which has been built by Wates Living Space, has been designed to include green features such as Structural Insulated Panel technology which reduces energy consumption. Each apartment also has under-floor heating.

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SENSE OF PLACE ADVOCATES 'HUMBLER APPROACH' TO REGENERATION
01 March 2010

Learning from an innovative six month scheme designed to uncover people's aims and aspirations for their neighbourhood is set to benefit future regeneration plans in the Midlands. Picture SoP community researchers (L-R) Diego Wright, Miles Lewis-Griffin, Jasmin Begum and Raymond Brown. The Sense of Place (SoP) Project, which was piloted in the Dudley and Soho Road areas of North West Birmingham, was delivered by a consortium of practitioners specially commissioned by Midlands-based housing market renewal Pathfinder Urban Living. Designed to help residents understand how they can influence the content of masterplans by getting involved at the outset, the project used a variety of art forms including storytelling to capture people's feelings about where they live. Four local people were employed as 'community researchers' to help deliver activities and develop a 'toolkit' containing case studies and examples of how to use specific techniques to empower other local communities. Community Researcher and Handsworth resident, Raymond Brown, said: "This has been a great experience for the community researchers as the project gave us the opportunity to get to grips with local issues and start to work up plans for the future." Nick Corbett, Urban Living's director of urban design and enterprise, said: "Critically, people have told us that they would prefer we work with them to improve their existing homes and streets, rather than introducing the wholesale change they associate with masterplans. To mark the end of the six month pilot project, partnership practitioners including representatives from Multistory, MADE, CUDOS, Architecture Sans Frontières, OO:/ Architecture, the Digital Native Academyb and local authority neighbourhood managers met recently in Birmingham at a conference entitled 'Is the Masterplan dead?’. The aim was to share best practice and highlight how SoP has reinforced the vital role residents can play in shaping and delivering plans for their area. Over 100 participants attended the sell-out event including local authority representatives from across the Midlands, architects, developers, housing associations, residents and community action groups. Professor Nabeel Hamdi, emeritus professor of housing and urban development at Oxford Brookes University was the keynote speaker. He said: "Planning should stimulate social and economic change with targeted interventions rather than wholesale redevelopment, and with the participation of all stakeholders. Building relationships through existing networks, stitching things together and investing in public space are just some of the key ingredients" Presentations were also made by various groups involved in on-the-ground, creative activities carried out as part of the six month project. These included encouraging residents to put forward ideas and get involved via the 'Do, Dream, Pledge' campaign, setting up an outdoor 'living room' and creating a map of the Dudley Road area which was placed in several locations and used to spark conversation. The Sense of Place Project contributes towards Urban Living's Design Strategy objective for creating an authentic sense of place, and it will help to ensure that housing growth is delivered in a way that meets the aspirations and choices of local people. Nick Corbett concluded: "This project has taught us that a humbler approach to neighbourhood planning is needed. "People's memories, stories and emotional attachment to places can inform masterplanning decisions and ensure that local knowledge is reflected. "The Sense of Place Project captures subjective information in a practical way so that it can inform decision making and we hope others will benefit from our findings."

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LOVELL APPRENTICES LEARN FROM GERMAN LOW-CARBON HOMES EXPERTS
01 March 2010

Paul Blakeman Two green-thinking construction apprentices who work for Birmingham-based affordable housing developer and regeneration specialist Lovell have taken part in a study trip to Hamburg where they were taught by German experts in building low-carbon homes. Apprentice carpenter Paul Blakeman, 20, who lives in Smethwick, and Michael McDonald, 19, a trainee bricklayer from King’s Norton, gained hands-on experience at a German centre of expertise in sustainable construction, the Ausbildungszetrum-Bau in Hamburg. The study trip was organised through Stephenson College in Leicestershire where the Lovell Craft Academy national apprentice training programme is based. The visit was funded by the Leonardo Programme, which supports European education and training initiatives by UK organisations. The ten-day course focused on techniques for ‘retrofitting’ existing homes to improve energy-efficiency, looking at different types of thermal insulation for the foundation slab structure, exterior walls, roof space and windows. The course included a demonstration of how a traditional building’s carbon footprint can be reduced to virtually zero through the use of advanced insulation. “The course was a real eye-opener,” says Paul, who is currently working for Lovell on an £8.4 million three-year housing improvement programme for Dudley Council. “I’ve just started working on refurbishing a block of flats in Dudley and I’ve been able to use some of the techniques I learned to insulate the flooring.” “I’d heard about the centre from other Lovell apprentices who had been there and it sounded like a great place to visit,” adds Michael, who is based at The Edge, a £16 million sustainable housing development at an estate at Warstock, south Birmingham, where Lovell is building 116 homes for rent, shared ownership and sale, with Black Country Housing Group and Birmingham City Council. “It was interesting to see all of the different methods they use for insulating buildings.” “We’re always keen to give our apprentices the opportunity to learn about the latest sustainable construction techniques,” says John Gamsby, craft training supervisor for Lovell, which has local offices at Woodgate Valley. “It’s great to see that Paul and Michael have already been able to put some of the skills they learned in Hamburg into practice on site.” Dean Heaps, trainer and assessor at Stephenson College, says: “It was a pleasure to accompany the trainees to Hamburg. The boys conducted themselves brilliantly, getting involved with practical tasks and communicating with the German trainers in a polite, well-mannered way.” Linda Sanders, director of adult housing and community services in Dudley, says: “Dudley Council is looking to improve the sustainability of its housing stock, and initiatives such as this mean we will have the skilled workforce to help achieve our objectives.”

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WREKIN TENANTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
01 March 2010

Following on from its Tenants’ Conference, a local housing organisation is looking at ways to make full use of its tenants’ suggestions and feedback. The Wrekin Housing Trust held its annual Tenants’ Conference on 23rd January this year and is already looking for ways of improving its services as an outcome of the event. On the day, tenants were given the chance to participate in various workshops and suggest possible ways of making Trust services more accessible and informative. One example of suggestions made on the day was holding estate walkabouts, where tenants and members of the Trust and other organisations get together to check local estates for any issues, at a later time of day or at weekends so that people who work can attend. Another was that the Trust could be more informative when advertising properties to let, such as stating whether they are in a rural location. The Trust is now looking into ways of using these suggestions. At the conference, senior managers and directors from the Trust also took time to ask tenants for their in-depth experiences of the repairs service. Outcomes from this will be used as part of a customer experience project, looking at the priorities of tenants and using this feedback to improve and further tailor services. Workshops and presentations available on the day included Crime Stoppers, Aqueduct community group, the Trust’s neighbourhood management and Fairshare and Just Credit, all of which received 100% positive feedback from those attending or involved. There was also entertainment from the Hazel Way Players, who are a group of tenants from one of the Trust’s supported housing schemes, which went down a storm. A newsletter is now being sent to all those who attended with feedback on the day and an opportunity to get more involved in the work of the Trust.

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SEARCH FOR SANDWELL'S YOUNG STARS BEGINS
01 March 2010

The search is on again for young people in Sandwell who are shining stars in their communities. Professionals working with young people are being encouraged to nominate teenagers who deserve recognition for their achievements. The Sandwell Teenagers Achieve Recognition (STAR) accolades will celebrate the hard work and dedication of the borough’s teenagers. The awards aim to honour and highlight young people who have made great personal achievements or contributed to society. Young people are also encouraged to nominate adults who they feel go out of their way to support them, whether that is a teacher, youth worker, learning mentor or organisation. Former Blue Peter host and TV presenter Konnie Huq will present the awards at The Hawthorns on 12 March 2010. Categories include: • Young carer award • Young achiever award • Young volunteer award • Dedication award • Sporting individual and team awards • Young voice, youth group and school council awards • Arts and performance awards • Young hero/heroine award • Youth worker, teacher, personal advisor and leaning mentor awards • Sandwell's brightest star award Organisers from Sandwell's Shadow Youth Cabinet have also invited local comedian Dave Savage, from Wolverhampton, to entertain guests. There will be a photo opportunity for the winners and some of the young people nominated for awards will provide entertainment. Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Ian Jones said: "The STAR awards are an excellent way of recognising young people's achievements and contributions to their communities, as well as encouraging them to fulfil their dreams and aspirations." The closing date for nominations is Friday, 12 February 2010. Download a nomination pack:www.sandwellhomes.org.uk

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
01 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Chief Executive based in the North East, salary £108k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 15. Barrow Borough Council is seeking a Community Involvement Manager, salary £24,646 to £28,636 p.a. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northwest. Closing date: March 1. Keelman Homes is seeking Two Ordinary Trustees to join its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 5. West of Scotland Housing Association is seeking a Director of Property Investment. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs . Closing date: March 1. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time]. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. TENDERS Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
02 March 2010

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SPOTLIGHT
02 March 2010

£9.5MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED FOR REPAIRS TO WEST MIDLANDS HOMES
02 March 2010

Beechdale Community Housing AssociationB (BCHA) has awarded a contract worth over £9.5million to keep its homes up to standard over the next five years. BCHA, which owns and manages around 1,240 homes on the Beechdale estate in Walsall, has awarded its repairs and maintenance contract to Morrison Facilities Services. Alan Critchley, BCHA Property Asset Manager, said: “The new contract comes into operation on 1st April this year and information is being sent to all BCHA tenants to ensure they are fully informed of the change. We are looking forward to working with Morrisons to deliver a first rate service to our tenants.” The five year contract has an option to extend it for a further five years and covers the provision of responsive repairs, work on empty properties, planned maintenance, cyclical works and gas servicing and repairs. It is the first major contract that BCHA, which was established in 1996, has had to procure through European legislation and the announcement follows a four-month procurement process. Contractors were invited to submit expressions of interest in October and a shortlist was drawn up before site visits took place to inspect examples of work, maintenance processes and examples of resident involvement each company could demonstrate before a decision was made.

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BIRMINGHAM TO INCREASE COUNCIL RENT CHARGES
02 March 2010

Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet is set to approve a 3.1% rent increase for council tenants at its meeting on 8 March 2010 in accordance with the government’s national rent policy. Council tenants will now have to pay an additional £2.10 over 48 weeks in 2010/11, although they will be exempt from paying rent for 4 weeks if they keep up with payments, as part of the rent payment holidays that the council first introduced in 2008. The rent charges, which will be implemented from 4 October 2010, are set in line with the national formula that includes inflation and an allowance for rent convergence. This reflects government policy introduced in April 2002 to bring local authority and housing association rents in line with each other. Cllr John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said, “The government continues to force local authorities to increase rents in a difficult economic time. “Birmingham kept its council tax at just 1.9% for the fifth year running in recognition of the tough economic times our citizens face, yet the government is imposing the rent increases and it’s simply not fair on our tenants. “Unfortunately, the income from this rent increase will not be retained by tenants, but will be repaid back to the government through the subsidy system. “This has also happened over the past 2 years and tenants now pay 27p in every pound of rent back to government. “I am determined to secure changes to the current unfair financial system for council housing and will continue to lobby for these changes. “The achievement of the government’s national rent convergence policy by 2012/13 is also now uncertain as the government has admitted there is no fixed date for achieving this. “I will continue to ensure that tenants of Birmingham receive value for money for their services and am committed to increasing the quality of services that tenants receive”. Cabinet will also approve modest increases for other service charges mainly to cover cost pressures.

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FIRST GREEN VICARAGE APPROVED AT BRENT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
02 March 2010

The first vicarage in the UK to meet the Government’s rigorous Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 is to be built in west London. The flagship development is being undertaken by LHA-ASRA, with construction due to commence in spring 2010. The zero-carbon vicarage will form part of the St John’s Church Grounds development in Wembley which has received the green light from Brent Council. Level 6 is the highest set by government and it is expected that all grant funded social housing will have to meet the exacting standard by 2016. As well as a new home for resident vicar, the Reverend Francis Adu-Boachie, the scheme will provide a new community centre for the Parish Church Council of St John’s, and 20 affordable homes built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4. The vicarage itself will boast photovoltaic panels, state of the art ground source heat pumps and solar thermal technology. The affordable homes will benefit from thermal technology and PV panels, helping residents keep utility bills and their carbon footprint particularly low. Some of the homes will be available for intermediate rent to local residents and workers who can not afford to rent on the private market. William Cornall, Director of Development and Regeneration at LHA-ASRA, said: “The St John’s Church Grounds development will provide much needed affordable housing in Wembley for families, couples and single people, as well as a high quality community facility. “We have worked in close consultation with the Parish Church Council and LB Brent Council to present a quality-built, attractive, low carbon scheme that will enhance the local area whilst meeting the needs of the local community.” The development will also incorporate children’s play facilities by the new community centre, along with 20 car parking spaces throughout. The Grade II listed St John’s Church, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and built in 1846 will be unaltered, but enhanced by the sensitive design of the new buildings and landscaping that will surround it. West of Wembley town centre, St John’s is just 400 metres from Wembley Central London Underground and national rail station, and minutes from local shops and amenities. The architect for the scheme is nationally based calfordseaden. Christopher Rainsford, Partner and architect specialising in conservation at calfordseaden, added: “A sustainable development will be created that makes the best use of brownfield land whilst maintaining the integrity of an historic site. Meeting the Level 6 Code for Sustainable Homes criteria only adds to the quality of the build and sets down a marker for others to follow.” Further Links

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PHOENIX CHAIR NOMINATED FOR AWARD
02 March 2010

Pat Fordham and local children Pat Fordham, Chair of Phoenix has been shortlisted from more than 300 entries to the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards. These awards are in their second year and will once again shine the spotlight on the people and teams that are doing great work in the social/affordable housing sector. Pat Fordham is now one of six finalists left in the running for the Inspirational Board Member of the year. The event is organised by Inside Housing magazine and the CIH, and attracted a phenomenal response with submissions from the length and breadth of the UK. The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel on 14 May hosted by TV presenter, Antarctic explorer and Atlantic rower Ben Fogle. The awards are sponsored by Campbell Tickell, EMA, Asset Skills, Synergy Group and The Hire Standard. Last year more than 700 people attended. Howard Farrand, the President of the CIH said: “Our sector spends a great deal of time talking about policy and strategy, business plans and budgets, our visions and our mission statements. Of course all of these things are really important. “But in my experience it is the extraordinary people that do fantastic work for our customers that make the real difference. So I want to congratulate every finalist for getting this far in these awards.” Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock said: “Many people know Pat through her work on behalf of her fellow tenants but the impact she has had on the lives of local people goes much further. Pat is someone that many people turn to when faced with challenging situations.” Phoenix Chief Executive, Jim Ripley said: “We’ve always known what an extraordinary person Pat is, and now we are so pleased that others will have the chance to recognise her warm personality and phenomenal voluntary work rate.” Further Links

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MARCHES HOUSING INVESTS TO MAINTAIN EXCELLENT STAFF AND SERVICES
02 March 2010

Marches Housing Association is shining the spotlight on staff training to ensure quality staff are retained and quality services provided. The Association, based in Leominster, is currently part-funding the studies of 10 employees who are working towards professional qualifications and it also employs two apprentices through Hereford Group Training. David Hinchliffe, Managing Director at Marches, said: “We recognise the value of investing in our staff and being as supportive as possible to those wanting to further their skills. We have part-funded a number of courses this financial year and it is extremely important to support the local workforce, thereby boosting the local economy in and around Leominster.” Six members of staff completed professional qualifications in 2008/9 with their studies fully sponsored by Marches and the Association has also been approved by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as an organisation with a structured training agreement. Michelle Hallett, Asset Management Officer, said: “Whilst doing repairs, I started a distance learning course in Construction and Defects Maintenance which took just over a year to complete. In 2008, I applied for the post of Asset Management Officer and in August started with my new role. I have now come to the end of my course having passed all six modules. There are lots of opportunities available if you are prepared to work for them.” The Association also recently secured a hat-trick of awards which further reflects its commitment to staff. It was awarded the Enhanced Quality Housing Services (QHS) standard and was reaccredited with Investors in People (IiP) and Investors in Excellence (IiE).

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FIRST RESIDENT MOVES INTO SMETHWICK'S CYGNET COURT DEVELOPMENT
02 March 2010

A Black Country woman has become the first person to move into a new development of contemporary apartments in Smethwick after receiving the keys to her 2-bedroom home. Kay Clinton, 28, is the first person to take up residence at Cygnet Court, a stylish development on Holly Lane featuring 49 one and two bedroom apartments, including two penthouse apartments. Picture: New home owner Kay Clinton (centre) with Steve Lilley (Left), Urban Living's director of programme & performance and Linda Woodall (Right) from First Step. Funded by Urban Living, the government-backed housing market renewal pathfinder for Sandwell and Birmingham which stepped in to save the scheme after its original developer went into administration; Cygnet Court is aimed at people looking for a desirable home at an affordable price. Ms Clinton said: "It's really nice here. I was living with my parents before but when Cygnet Court came up I knew it was too good an opportunity to miss. "You get all your white goods and floor coverings included so I've not had to buy much. There's also off road parking. I'd definitely recommend the development to anyone else thinking of buying." Originally offered to people on the Sandwell MBC's waiting list, the apartments are now available to anyone wanting to get a foot on the property ladder and the scheme is already over 35 per cent sold. Prices range from £57,000 for a one bedroom home to £87,0000 for a two-bedroom penthouse. As an added incentive, buyers can get an interest-free equity loan of up to 20 per cent and take out a mortgage to cover the remainder, making the apartments an affordable way to get on the property ladder. "Cygnet Court is an exciting development that offers real value for money," said Adnan Saif, Chief Executive from Urban Living,. "The apartments are built to a high specification and this, coupled with the fact the purchase price includes legal fees and certain fixtures and fittings, makes them an attractive proposition for anyone looking for a competitively priced new home." "This is a fantastic opportunity to buy a high standard city living style apartment with good commuter links at a fraction of the price you would expect."

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SEARCH FOR SANDWELL'S YOUNG STARS BEGINS
02 March 2010

The search is on again for young people in Sandwell who are shining stars in their communities. Professionals working with young people are being encouraged to nominate teenagers who deserve recognition for their achievements. The Sandwell Teenagers Achieve Recognition (STAR) accolades will celebrate the hard work and dedication of the borough’s teenagers. The awards aim to honour and highlight young people who have made great personal achievements or contributed to society. Young people are also encouraged to nominate adults who they feel go out of their way to support them, whether that is a teacher, youth worker, learning mentor or organisation. Former Blue Peter host and TV presenter Konnie Huq will present the awards at The Hawthorns on 12 March 2010. Categories include: • Young carer award • Young achiever award • Young volunteer award • Dedication award • Sporting individual and team awards • Young voice, youth group and school council awards • Arts and performance awards • Young hero/heroine award • Youth worker, teacher, personal advisor and leaning mentor awards • Sandwell's brightest star award Organisers from Sandwell's Shadow Youth Cabinet have also invited local comedian Dave Savage, from Wolverhampton, to entertain guests. There will be a photo opportunity for the winners and some of the young people nominated for awards will provide entertainment. Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Ian Jones said: "The STAR awards are an excellent way of recognising young people's achievements and contributions to their communities, as well as encouraging them to fulfil their dreams and aspirations." The closing date for nominations is Friday, 12 February 2010. Download a nomination pack:www.sandwellhomes.org.uk

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
02 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Chief Executive based in the North East, salary £108k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 15. Keelman Homes is seeking Two Ordinary Trustees to join its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 5. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time]. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. TENDERS Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
03 March 2010

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SPOTLIGHT
03 March 2010

WEST MIDS HOME REPOSSESSIONS UP NEARLY 50 PER CENT
03 March 2010

The number of people who lost their homes in parts of the West Midlands has risen almost 50 per cent during the recession, latest figures released by the Citizens Advice Bureau. Repossessions went up by more than 3,000 in the space of 12 months. In Wolverhampton alone they rose from 683 to 958 over the same period. A total of 448 repossessions were defended in court with help from the city’s Citizens Advice Bureau in 2009. The CAB has an officer who attends court hearings who helped 108 people to remain in their own homes. Wolverhampton is one of 56 places in the country identified for repossession assistance from the Government. Last year the council had to rehome 442 households. Cabinet member for adults and services, Councillor Les Pugh, said: “The latest figures are worrying because it shows that people are losing their homes through no fault of their own but because of losing their jobs. We do our very best to make sure people are re-housed if they need it. “The CAB has also been doing some excellent work but these latest figures are a reminder of just how many people this recession has affected.” Alex Watts, housing case worker for the CAB at Snow Hill, said: “We have an officer in court every weekday to help represent people and we are able to help a lot of people with arranging to pay interest only on their mortgages so they can stay in their homes.” The number of people Walsall Council helped prior to court action rose from 135 to 316 while 178 cases of homelessness were prevented, compared to 82 the previous year. In South Staffordshire 450 people were interviewed by the council’s housing options team between April and November 2009, a rise on the 333 in the same period the previous year. Cannock Chase Council had 38 households seek help due to mortgage repossession in 2008/09. So far this financial year there have been 14 approaches due to mortgage repossessions. Dudley Council was approached by 236 people with mortgage arrears in 2008/09 but has seen a drop to 116 this year. Sandwell Homes received 212 inquiries relating to mortgage arrears between April and December 2009, compared to 129 the year before.

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FHM DELIVERS GREEN REFURB TO ECO COUPLE
03 March 2010

Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) West Midlands has delivered a whole home green refurbishment to a lucky couple. The Coleshill-based firm, which forms part of the Keepmoat group of companies, handed over the keys to the new eco property much to the delight of William Homoky, 29, and Catherine Beswick, 25, on Friday. William and Catherine, who live in Bristol, were crowned the winners of a national competition aimed at reducing carbon emissions and giving their home an eco makeover. Now, FHM hopes the eco refurb will lead to an expansion of refurbishment work into the South West. As part of the competition, FHM delivered a £21, 580 energy refurb to the couple’s three bedroom Victorian property over a four week period in February. The package of work includes the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, chimney balloons, loft insulation and a voltage reduction device. The programme of works is now complete and will reduce the couple’s carbon emissions by up to 70 percent. Keepmoat became involved with the project through their sponsorship of TV’s Grand Designs’ Great British Refurb Campaign, backed by presenter Kevin McCloud in October last year. The eco refurb has boosted the value of the house significantly since the work was carried out from £195,000 to £220,000. FHM’s Site Foreman Adam Waterson, said: “This has been a fantastic project to work on, as it has involved everything from kitchen fitting to wall insulation and the installation of solar panels. “The work has made a huge difference when you compare what the house looked like before and it will go a long way towards helping the winning couple cut down on their carbon emissions and household bills. It’s a fantastic example of what FHM can achieve when it comes to eco refurbishments and how quickly we can turn the work round.” With UK homes responsible for 27 percent of the UK’s carbon emissions, the Great British Refurb Campaign aims to reduce the production of greenhouse gases that lead to climate change and will help meet Government targets of reducing carbon emissions by 34 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Similarly, a national 10:10 campaign was launched in September last year to cut UK carbon emissions by 10 percent in 2010. The national eco competition to transform William and Catherine’s home was set up by the Great British Refurb Campaign in partnership with 10:10 and attracted over 8,000 entries. Now, William is scheduled to speak about his success at Ecobuild on Wednesday, today (Refurbishment begins at home) alongside Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns, WWF-UK, and Grand Designs’ Great British Refurb Campaign Partner, and Professor Chris Bovis, Keepmoat’s Director of Corporate Governance. The couple’s home was one of five in the shortlist, which included a four bed detached new build house in Southend, a four bed detached 1960s house in Warrington, a three bed 1950s semi in Bristol and a two bed Victorian terrace in Macclesfield. As part of the competition, all five properties had an energy survey carried out by Keepmoat’s energy consultant AECOM.

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CARILLION HANDS OVER BRIERLEY HILL’S NEW HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE CENTRE
03 March 2010

Support services and construction company Carillion has reached a major milestone in the construction of Brierley Hill’s new state-of-the-art health and social care centre. Carillion has handed over the keys of the £26.6 million flagship building in Venture Way to client Dudley Infracare LIFT. Work began in June 2007 on the development which will consolidate three GP practices with a combined list of 14,000 patients and provide a range of facilities including, an audiology centre, social services and hospital provision. During its construction, the development has enjoyed much success including winning the regeneration category in the annual LIFT awards last year and received the Best of the Black Country Regeneration award and the Employer of the Year award from Future Skills for local employment. The project has also been instrumental in providing employment and training opportunities for local people, with local unemployed people recruited through Dudley Council’s Future Skills initiative to work on the centre. In addition, 20 apprentices were given hands-on experience working on the project. Paul Reynolds, Operations Director for Carillion Building Midlands region, said: “This is the third project delivered in partnership with our client Dudley Infracare LIFT and is a true landmark building for Brierley Hill. Carillion is extremely proud to have been associated with this award-winning project which has been delivered in a truly collaborative manner and has acted as a stimulus for local economic and social regeneration in the area.” John Coyne, Chief Executive of Dudley Infracare LIFT Limited, said: “The Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre is the largest LIFT project in the borough to date. It is a unique example of how a Public Private Partnership development can be a catalyst for urban regeneration. The Centre will bring new life into the town of Brierley Hill with over 600 visitors a day increasing the economic sustainability of the area while delivering the highest quality health and social care facilities to the local and wider population of Dudley. “The project successfully secured a £5.6m grant from Advantage West Midlands, the first health project to do so and without which the project could not have proceeded. The local community has been fully engaged throughout the design and construction process resulting in training and employment opportunities for local people, a comprehensive programme for neighbouring schools through educational and artistic programmes and the use of supply chains and materials sourced from the Black Country area.” A phased commissioning and opening of the centre will now commence with it being fully operational and functioning in early June 2010.

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MORTGAGE RESCUE SCHEME HELPS CUSTOMERS TO STAY IN THEIR HOME
03 March 2010

People in danger of losing their homes because of the recession are getting help from Stafford and Rural Homes. A mortgage rescue scheme is being run by SARH, in partnership with Stafford Borough Council and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau to help people struggling to make mortgage payments. Colin Roff, Special Projects Officer for SARH, said: “The recession has hit many people hard, particularly homeowners with mortgages. “The mortgage rescue scheme offers support to people with financial difficulties allowing them to stay in their homes and in the communities that they know well. “The scheme also gives people peace of mind that their local support networks such as the schools, doctors, council, police and housing authorities will not change and they can continue to access help and advice easily.” The mortgage rescue scheme is a government initiative and gives customers the option of selling their home to a housing association while remaining in the property as a tenant paying an affordable rent. Since the initiative was launched in Stafford last year, SARH has helped three families through the scheme. To benefit from the scheme applicants must contact Stafford Borough Council Housing Options Team and to qualify the household must include someone in priority need. This could be an expectant mother, someone with dependant children, or someone who is vulnerable because of old age or a mental or physical disability. If an applicant qualifies their home is then independently surveyed by housing organisation Orbit Group to determine its value. If the property is within the Stafford area it is referred to SARH who will decide, on a number of factors, whether to purchase. If SARH buys the property they can then receive a 65 percent grant from the Homes and Communities Agency against the price, and the occupier becomes a customer. A further grant is then available for any improvement work that needs to be done to the property. Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of Stafford and Rural Homes, said: “Stafford and Rural Homes is committed to investing in affordable housing in the Borough of Stafford and the mortgage rescue scheme has already successfully helped three households to become more financially secure and more importantly to remain in their own homes ”

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HELP IS AT HAND FOR TAMWORTH RENT PAYERS
03 March 2010

Tamworth Borough Council has launched an early Easter campaign offering help and advice to people facing difficulties paying their rent. The campaign’s aim is to make tenants and business owners aware of the options available to them in order to help take away the anxiety of debt, reduce the number of court actions and evictions. TBC’s Income Team kicked off the campaign by going out into the community to spread the word. The team manned a market stall on Tuesday 23 and Saturday 27 February to talk to people and promote direct debit and the “Rent First” campaign. Cards were handed out to tenants who are in arrears advising them how to make payments, where to get advice and information and details of the Council office’s opening times over the Easter period. Running a stall created a tremendous amount of interest amongst market traders, locals and visitors to the area. A total of 367 enquiries were received and the general feedback has been extremely positive. Councillor Mary Oates, said, “Anyone with rent arrears should pop along to one of the “Rent First” sessions we have planned here in March at Marmion House and speak to a representative. We appreciate these are difficult times and want to help in any way possible to find a solution to people’s rent arrears to get their payments up to date as quickly as possible”. A further direct debit payment promotion is taking place outside shops within Tamworth this week. To help those finding it difficult to meet rental pay dates, two “Rent First” campaign events are being held. Representatives from Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureau, Credit Union, Home Start, Housing Benefit, Bromford Support, Estates Team and Income Team will be on hand, on a rota basis 9.30am-1pm, 8th-12th and 15th-19th March at Marmion House to talk to anyone requiring assistance and advice.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
03 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Policy/Service Improvement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing Date: March 18. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Chief Executive based in the North East, salary £108k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 15. Keelman Homes is seeking Two Ordinary Trustees to join its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 5. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time]. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. TENDERS Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
04 March 2010

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AUDIT COMMISSION: MIDLAND HEART HAS ‘EXCELLENT PROSPECTS FOR IMPROVEMENT’
04 March 2010

Midland Heart Housing Association has ‘excellent prospects for improvement’ according to the Audit Commission. An earlier inspection of the Birmingham-based housing association had found that empty homes were being let more quickly and new tenants were happy with their homes. Residents were influencing the way services were provided in a number of ways. However, performance on gas safety checks, completing repairs and rent arrears was weaker but was improving. Deborah Good, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector, said: “Since our inspection report was published in January, Midland Heart has developed a comprehensive action plan that addresses all our findings. The plan was developed with customers and includes their suggestions for improvements. Together with strong leadership this has led us to assess Midland Heart’s prospects for improvement as ‘excellent’”. Copies of the new report are available from Midland Heart Housing Association or from the Audit Commission website at:

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DUAL SHORTLIST SUCCESS FOR WREKIN TRUST AT NATIONAL HEATING AND VENTILATION AWARDS
04 March 2010

The Wrekin Housing Trust, Shropshire’s largest social landlord, has hit the double by being twice shortlisted for the national Heating and Ventilation News Awards. The H&V News Awards are the independent stamp of approval for excellence across the Heating, Ventilation and Cooling industry. The Trust has been shortlisted for both the ‘Gas Safety Initiative’ (in partnership with the Dodd Group), as well as the ‘Partnering Initiative’ (for work undertaken with National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions and Phoenix). The Trust’s Gas Team entered the awards in conjunction with local partners, following their recent work on gas safety and service improvement. Over the past few months, the Trust has spearheaded a gas safety awareness campaign to employees, tenants, leaseholders and residents, which included promoting the importance of having heating appliances regularly serviced to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, the Trust has spent £1.5 million removing open flue appliances from homes and replacing them with more efficient and safer combi systems. Plus, by partnering with National Grid Affordable Warmth and Phoenix, the Trust has been able to provide gas mains supplies to vulnerable tenants, switching them from electric storage heaters to gas central heating. Over 250 carbon monoxide detectors have also been installed, serviced and maintained through the Trust’s rewire programme. The award entry also detailed how the Trust has worked with the Dodd Group to put together a service and maintenance package for leaseholders, to overcome health and safety issues relating to blocks of flats. Fleur Whittingham, Category Manager for Gas at The Wrekin Housing Trust said: “The main aim of introducing these initiatives was to help ensure the safety of our tenants, leaseholders and residents in their homes. As a responsible landlord, we’re committed to the health and safety of the residents in our 11,000 properties around Shropshire and the Midlands. The changes implemented can have a real impact on peoples’ lives; moving from electric to gas heating could save a resident up to £300 per year on their heating bills, as well as help cut carbon emissions.” The winners will be decided at the awards held in London on 29th April 2010.

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TENANT SATISFACTION UP AT WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES
04 March 2010

Tenants with Wolverhampton Homes are more satisfied than ever with housing services in the city. In a survey carried out during September-November 2009, 3,567 tenants – the largest sample size ever questioned by Wolverhampton Homes – gave their opinions on housing services. Around eight out of ten tenants (82%) said that they were satisfied with the overall service provided by Wolverhampton Homes, with 33% very satisfied. This has increased by 8% since 2006 (from 74%). In 2007, it was 75% and in 2008, it was 79%. More than eight out of ten tenants (85%) were satisfied with the quality of their home, with 35% very satisfied. Repairs and maintenance were regarded as the most important service to tenants. Wolverhampton Homes is now launching an action plan to improve satisfaction further and focus on areas where improvements need to be made. Two areas that were highlighted for improvement were dealing with tenants’ enquiries and raising awareness of the Money Smart team, who support customers to manage their household budgets. Chair of Wolverhampton Homes, Sue Roberts, said: “We are pleased that generally residents are increasingly satisfied with our service which is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff. “However, we remain focused on improving further and ensuring that all tenants, including those who are not satisfied, receive a better service. “As we know, most people contact us by phone. Our aim is to resolve as many enquiries as possible at that first point of contact rather than having to pass the call to another member of staff. “We will also be launching a marketing campaign to raise awareness of our Money Smart team, who can help our tenants save money, which is more important then ever during the current economic conditions. “Housing has a major impact on quality of life, health and happiness and it’s our job to ensure we meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.” The survey takes place annually and is known as a STATUS Survey. All social housing providers follow the same questioning model to ensure accurate benchmarking with fellow organisations.

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SANDWELL HOMES LAUNCHES ‘PARANOID’ CAMPAIGN TO STAMP-OUT DRUG DEALING
04 March 2010

Sandwell Homes has launched a new campaign to target drug dealing tenants across the borough after teaming up with the Safer Sandwell Partnership. The campaign, which has seen posters being erected around Sandwell and on the back of buses in the borough, aims to raise awareness of the penalties for dealing and growing drugs in rented accommodation, with a focus on the likelihood of eviction. It is hoped the campaign will alert tenants who deal and grow drugs to the tough stance now being taken by Sandwell homes and Sandwell Council following a string of Police raids at homes and business premises across the borough, closing down a string of cannabis factories and drugs dens and taking the perpetrators to court for prosecution. Recently, an Oldbury man’s council flat was repossessed after he was convicted of growing a number of cannabis plants in a bedroom. Another Oldbury tenant was evicted after allowing his home to be used by others for drug use and visited by known drug dealers and users. During a raid there, police found heroin, drug paraphernalia for Class A drug use, namely burnt foil and burnt teaspoons. Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for safer communities, said: “We are working closely with the police and Sandwell Homes to stamp out illegal drugs, which can have a devastating effect on local communities. “This illegal activity breaks the terms of tenancy conditions, so we take a hard line against the small minority of people responsible for it.” Brian Oakley, chief executive for Sandwell Homes, which manages 29,000 properties on behalf of Sandwell Council, added: “Sandwell Homes is committed to keeping the borough’s homes and estates free from drugs, and particularly to preventing any growing or dealing of drugs from any of the properties under its management. “We acknowledge that the vast majority of tenants are law abiding and support our stance against the minority who give social housing a bad name. “If you are evicted from a council property, we are extremely unlikely to offer you accommodation in the future unless there have been major changes to your circumstances. “We will also tell other landlords that we have evicted you for anti-social behaviour, which means you may not be able to rent any council properties in the region.”

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FAMILY HOUSING SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2010 HOUSING HEROES AWARDS
04 March 2010

Claire Hardwick A Birmingham based housing association is in the running for two national awards to recognise industry-leading people and teams within the affordable housing sector. Family Housing Association has been shortlisted for two awards in the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards. Family’s Community Investment Team is one of just six organisations that are in the running for the ‘Ground Breaking Team’ category. This recognises their extensive work in regeneration and community involvement activities across the city. Picture: Claire Hardwick heads up Family Housing Association’s Community Investment Team, which is one of just six organisations in the running for the ‘Ground Breaking Team’ category in the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards. The team’s achievements include organising the Summerfield and South Lozells eco projects, as well as organising training and employment schemes for residents. The housing association’s longest standing tenant board member Ernon Campbell, who lives in Summerfield, also joins a shortlist of six people in the ‘Inspirational Board Member’ category for his outstanding contribution on the Board and for ensuring that customers are placed at the heart of the association’s work. These entries were shortlisted from more than 300 submitted from across the country. The awards are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing – the affordable housing sector’s professional body which represents people who work in housing. The winners will be revealed at an event in London on May 14 hosted by TV presenter, Antarctic explorer and Atlantic rower Ben Fogle. The awards are sponsored by Campbell Tickell, EMA, Asset Skills, Synergy Group and The Hire Standard. Howard Farrand, the President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said he was amazed by the fantastic people working in the housing sector. He said: “Our sector spends a great deal of time talking about policy and strategy, business plans and budgets, our visions and our mission statements. Of course all of these things are really important but in my experience it is the extraordinary people that do fantastic work for our customers that make the real difference. “I want to congratulate every finalist for getting this far in these awards. It was extremely tightly contested, and I look forward to helping to unveil the eventual winners in May.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
04 March 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Policy/Service Improvement Manager. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing Date: March 18. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Procurement Manager based in Sunderland, salary circa £31k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 22. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Chief Executive based in the North East, salary £108k + benefits. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 15. Keelman Homes is seeking Two Ordinary Trustees to join its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: March 5. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Housing Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Corporate & Development Administration Assistant. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Almond Housing Association is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer [Part Time]. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Housing Assistant (Temporary). For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 12. Melville Housing Association is seeking a Property Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 15. TENDERS Craigdale Housing Association is inviting tenders for a Tenant Satisfaction Survey. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: March 8. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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£102 MILLION HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS FOR BIRMINGHAM TENANTS
05 March 2010

Birmingham City Council Cabinet is set to approve a £102 million budget for investment in council properties this year (2010/11) at its meeting on 8 March 2010, contributing to a better quality of life for citizens. Since 2004, the council has invested £673 million of its own money to carry out the decent homes programme, making improvement to 50,000 properties. Birmingham is one of the few local authorities on track to meet the government’s target for 95% decent homes by 2010, despite a report by the Audit Commission predicting that nationally it would be “all but impossible” for all local authorities and housing associations to meet this target. Tenants have been instrumental in setting priorities for the works which include cavity wall, loft, roof and external wall insulation. The additional insulation will improve thermal efficiency for homes, helping the council to reduce CO2 emissions to create a greener, cleaner Birmingham. As part of the council’s drive to tackle fuel poverty more council homes will be installed with energy efficient central heating and double glazed windows. Improving security is also a high priority and all homes will benefit from Secured by Design front doors and windows. The replacement of timber fascias and soffits with pvc materials, the re-roofing of some properties and the execution of other associated works will help to reduce future maintenance costs. £47 million of the budget will help achieve warm, weatherproof homes with reasonably modern facilities. Over 3000 homes will benefit during the course of the year as part of the council’s plans to ensure all council homes meet the government’s decent homes standard. Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Birmingham’s tenants chose to keep the council as their landlord in April 2002, when less than 30 per cent of our stock was decent. When I became cabinet member for housing in June 2004, I was obliged to find a way to deliver decent homes from the council’s own resources. “We have made excellent progress, despite the inadequate and inequitable government financial support. The level of decency has increased steadily, from 34 per cent in April 2004, to 90 per cent by March 2009. We will exceed the 95 per cent national target this year. “We have always recognised that this investment is crucial to the health and well-being of our citizens, who deserve to live in decent homes. I am confident that warm, energy efficient, modern homes will vastly improve the quality of life of our tenants and better homes mean healthier, thriving communities.” The council will also continue to fit new kitchens and bathrooms as part of its decent homes plus programme. Properties with kitchens that are more than 20 years old and bathroom are more than 30 years old will be modernised, once the main decent homes programme has been delivered.

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URBAN LIVING ANNOUNCE £17 MILLION REGENERATION PROGRAMME
05 March 2010

Urban Living, the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder for Birmingham and Sandwell, has announced an ambitious £17million regeneration programme which will be rolled out over the next 12 months. Chief executive Adnan Saif confirmed that the funding will be used to take forward developments which will enable the provision of more affordable housing and support mixed communities in North West Birmingham and East Sandwell. "Over the last year, we've made significant progress and have succeeded in delivering a targeted programme of regeneration activity which has seen almost £20million invested in the Birmingham and Sandwell area. "We have already approved projects worth at least £17million for delivery in 2010/2011 and our aim is to make a real impact by blending community engagement and cohesion with neighbourhood renewal and regeneration." As part of this process, Urban Living will be pushing forward sites that have already been cleared for future redevelopment like Crocodile Works in Newtown and The Lyng Estate in West Bromwich where work is underway to develop around 600 new, much-needed homes. It will also be continuing its highly successful refurbishment programme to bring homes back into use and allocating £500,000 to community cohesion projects. "Effective regeneration cannot happen without the full engagement of the communities and people involved," said Mr Saif. "By involving people in the development and delivery of plans for their neighbourhoods, you create a sense of belonging and shared civic pride. That's why we're putting a continued emphasis on its importance and encouraging people to get involved in transforming their neighbourhoods." In North West Birmingham activities will centre on the revitalisation of Newtown and Lozells whilst in Sandwell the programme will see the completion of the Windmill Eye masterplan and the construction of new homes in Greets Green and Eastern Gateway. <>Cllr John Lines, Birmingham's Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "We welcome Urban Living's major investment in the area and regard them as a valued partner. "I look forward to seeing Birmingham's second retirement village being developed in Newtown in 2010/11 as a ground breaking housing offer tailor-made to the community of North West Birmingham." Similar views were expressed by Cllr Maboob Hussain, Sandwell Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing. He said: "Urban Living's continued investment in Sandwell means we will be able to improve the quality of housing, as well as building brand new homes in West Bromwich and Smethwick. "This commitment over the next year will also help create training and employment opportunities, which in turn will have a positive impact on the local economy."

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SPECTRUM SECURES £16M FOR WEST MIDLANDS DEVELOPMENTS
05 March 2010

A leading west midlands development consortium has secured £16m to build more than 250 new affordable homes in the region. Spectrum Development Partnership, a consortium of ten west midlands affordable housing providers led by West Mercia Housing Group, has been granted £8.5m from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for a development in Perryfields, Bromsgrove, and £7.2m for a development in Essington, South Staffordshire. The Bromsgrove-based scheme will be part funded and delivered by Spectrum members bdht and West Mercia Housing Group. Bromsgrove District Council is also providing £700,000 towards the total cost of the £16 million development of 158 new family homes. The start-on-site is expected in spring this year. The second scheme to receive HCA funding is a rural development of 66 independent flexible care apartments for the over 55’s and 35 family homes in Essington. The £13.5m development will be delivered and is part funded by Housing Plus. Kathryn Robb, head of partnership development at Spectrum Development Partnership, said: “We are delighted to have secured this money from the HCA at a time when available funding is reducing and are proud to be involved in building much needed new homes in the west midlands. We are committed to using our skills to delivering these developments on schedule and to a high standard, ensuring we provide homes where people are happy and proud to live now and in the future.” These schemes add to the consortium’s existing development programme which has already delivered 1,000 new homes in the west midlands. This successful track record has been achieved thanks to the combined strength and experience of the consortium’s members. Paul Spooner, regional director for the HCA, said: “The HCA is committed to working with Spectrum Development Partnership and West Mercia Housing Group to invest in the region’s communities and provide people with affordable homes in places they want to live. We are delighted that our investment is enabling the consortium to push forward and deliver much-needed homes and extra care in the region.”

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LOCAL PUPILS HELP CHRISTEN LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT
05 March 2010

A regeneration scheme in central Birmingham has found a new identity, after local schoolchildren were given the chance to put their stamp on the multi million pound Crocodile Works development in Newtown. Pupils aged six to eight at nearby William Cowper Community Primary school were invited to decide a name for the first phase of the Midland Heart scheme, while ages two to six were asked to suggest a new name for the road running adjacent to the building, Mews Walk. The winning names were chosen by development partner Birmingham City Council, and announced at a school presentation, with the first phase christened ‘Crocodile Court’ and the road renamed ‘Austin Lane’. Designed to bridge the gap between the area’s past and present, the competition set out to find suggestions with a connection to the local area, either geographically, historically or culturally. Crocodile Works is part of a master plan to regenerate the area as a whole, which will see the former factory redeveloped to provide affordable housing in the form of 146 apartments and 42 townhouses. Graham Bettam, development manager at Midland Heart, said: “Encouraging the local community to get involved in the regeneration process is central to our approach. “This initiative has been a great way of getting local children to be creative whilst keeping them in touch with the historical significance of the area.” The winning names recall the industrial heritage of Newtown, paying homage to the original name of the factory and remembering car manufacturer Herbert Austin, a factory employee who went on to establish the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge in 1905. Headteacher at William Cowper, Charlotte Davis, said: “This competition has been a valuable opportunity for our pupils to explore local history, and seeing their suggestions in use will be an important reminder of how they can contribute to their surroundings.”

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WREKIN TRUST SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2010 HOUSING HEROES AWARDS
05 March 2010

Shropshire-based Wrekin Housing Trust has been shortlisted from more than 300 entries to the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards. These awards are in their second year and will once again, shine the spotlight on the people and teams that are doing great work in the social/affordable housing sector. The Wrekin Housing Trust is now one of six left in the running for Maintenance Team of the Year. The event is organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and attracted a phenomenal response with submissions from the length and breadth of the UK. The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel on 14 May hosted by TV presenter, Antarctic explorer and Atlantic rower Ben Fogle. The awards are sponsored by Campbell Tickell, EMA, Asset Skills, Synergy Group and The Hire Standard. Last year more than 700 people attended. Howard Farrand, the President of the CIH, said he was amazed by the fantastic people working in the housing sector. “Our sector spends a great deal of time talking about policy and strategy, business plans and budgets, our visions and our mission statements. "Of course all of these things are really important. But in my experience it is the extraordinary people that do fantastic work for our customers that make the real difference. So I want to congratulate every finalist for getting this far in these awards. It was extremely tightly contested, and I look forward to helping to unveil the eventual winners in May.” David Wells, General Manager of Managed Services at the Trust said: “We’re proud to be shortlisted for this award, as it shows our commitment to providing world class maintenance to our tenants. We continuously strive to increase tenant satisfaction, and have managed to do this by identifying efficiencies and recycling them back into the service by using the savings to employ more trainees and apprentices."

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